How his upbringing has been obtained I cannot sufficiently attest to with certainty – I have not, except for four years, been a priest in this parish. However, such is my opinion that he has been raised with too much freedom.
The testimony of the Reverend Jóhann Tómasson.
5th of September 1829
Rev. T. Jónsson
Breidabólstadur, Vesturhóp
To the (Assistant) Reverend Thorvardur Jónsson,
I write to enquire about your progress with the criminal, Agnes Magnúsdóttir. I recently met with Reverend Jóhann Tómasson of the parish of Tj?rn, who deemed it so good as to supply me with a report concerning the spiritual advancement and improved behaviour of the criminal Fridrik Sigurdsson, whom he is supervising. I consider it necessary to meet with you also. Once you, similarly, give me an account of what has and continues to transpire between you and the criminal, I might comprehend to what degree religious instruction is collectively bettering the condemned.
Please present yourself to Hvammur next week to give an account of your transactions with the criminal, and what counsel you have hitherto supplied.
DISTRICT COMMISSIONER
Bj?rn Bl?ndal
‘THANK YOU FOR COMING, ASSISTANT Reverend Thorvardur,’ Bj?rn Bl?ndal said, stepping out of the farm door of Hvammur. He had dressed in his official regalia, his red jacket open to reveal a clean, cream shirt. Tóti, who had only met the District Commissioner on a few occasions, mostly when he was a boy travelling with his father, paused in awe at the spectacle of his uniform, and his rather imposing figure.
‘Greetings, District Commissioner Bl?ndal.’
Tóti dismounted and gave the reins of his horse to a servant man. Hvammur, he noticed, was crawling with people, all going about their chores in the wide yard before the house. A man was gutting trout, caught that morning from the river, on a rock to his left, and two women were spreading clothes out to dry in what slender sun the day afforded. He noticed another servant, a young woman wearing the national headdress of cap and tassel, leading a huddle of four or five children outdoors.
‘Hello,’ they called brightly, nodding their heads in Tóti’s direction.
‘You have a pleasant home,’ Tóti said, smiling, walking up to meet Bl?ndal.
‘Indeed. Welcome, Reverend. I trust your journey was not too arduous. Please, come inside, and mind your step.’
An older servant woman led Tóti through the labyrinth of corridors to a small guest room. Bl?ndal followed closely behind and watched in the doorway as she sat Tóti down on an upholstered chair and deftly removed his riding hat and coat.
‘Have you been here before?’ Bl?ndal asked, as he waited. Tóti realised that he had been gaping at his surroundings.
‘Only as a boy,’ Tóti blushed. ‘This is a very fine quarter. I see you have several etchings.’
Bl?ndal sniffed and removed his plumed hat, brushing the feather absently. ‘Yes,’ he said, matter-of-factly. ‘We’re very fortunate here to enjoy the luxuries usually only afforded to those on the mainland. Although it is my wish that, within the century, more Icelanders will come to know the benefits of glass windows, wooden panelling, iron stoves, and so forth. I am of the opinion that a drier home allows better circulation of air, and is therefore better for the health.’
‘I am sure you are right,’ Tóti said, looking at the servant busy untying his laces. She glanced at him without smiling.
‘Come, Karitas, leave him alone now,’ Bl?ndal said. ‘Reverend Thorvardur, if you will follow me to my office.’
‘Thank you, Karitas.’
The servant stood up, holding his shoes, and looked at him as though she was about to say something.
‘Karitas. Leave.’
Bl?ndal waited until the woman had stepped out of the room, before gesturing for Tóti to follow him. ‘Down this way, if you please, Reverend. My rooms are in a remote quarter of the building. It keeps the roar of the servants from becoming more than a mild disturbance.’